The Libertines return was a night that we wanted to last.
Seven years ago, English indie rock ‘n’ roll riot-starters The Libertines caused sonic chaos at the Forum on their debut Australian tour. On the very same stage the lads, led by the Lennon/McCartney-esque bromance of Pete Doherty and Carl Barat, returned last night for an epic exploration of their latest album, All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade, as well as a dive into their defining hits.
The Libertines Australia Tour
- Where: Forum Melbourne
- When: Tuesday 15 April 2025
- Support: Reverend and the Makers
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The evening kicked off with a stellar set from Sheffield shakers Reverend and the Makers for an acoustic serenade which crossed through The State of Things, Heatwave in the Cold North, and @Reverend_Makers territory. A special set list addition came in the form of ‘Haircut’ which made its live debut.
With the historic venue packed with both former and current indie sleeze soldiers, the atmosphere lacked the animalistic energy that once matched The Libertines, emitting instead a hazy, relaxed and tranquil pub vibe. Perhaps this was the result of the more settled and mature audience but it was also notably reflected on stage from the rehabilitated, rekindled and reignited band.
That’s not to say the entertainment factor, the hard hits and the enjoyment weren’t there. Quite the opposite but it was delivered with restraint in a polished presentation. If you’ve ever seen The Libertines live or know their turbulent history, you will understand. The show came without the stumbling, without the slurring, without the mess, and without the raucous attitudes that once surrounded the band and the indie rock genre that became synonymous with the “heroin chic” tag. This 23-song set was purely music less the antics, and gosh was it a telling tale of the dynamic duo’s songwriting.
Launching in with ‘The Saga’ from the bands self-titled 2004 effort followed by ‘The Delaney’ from their 2002 debut Up The Bracket, and onto crowd classics ‘What Became of the Likely Lads’ and ‘Boys in the Band’, The Libertines sought to showcase their catalogue from old to new. It’s a discography that has collected rock ‘n’ roll anthems, poetic love songs, war chants and sea shanty stylings. The blend this evening was immaculate.
New tracks ‘Night of the Hunter’ slotted perfected between ‘Boys in the Band’ and ‘What Katie Did’, ‘Shiver’ and ‘Merry Old England’ bridged belters ‘The Good Old Days’ and ‘Death On The Stairs’, and ‘Run Run Run’ ran into ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ seamlessly. A set highlight came from ‘Music When The Lights Go Out’; a stunning singalong erupting for the standout track.
Whilst quiet on the banter and audience interaction, the tales were instead told through voiceovers and one single hilarious anecdote about a relative settling in Australia collecting wood. Again, this all filtered into the songs having room to breathe and speak for themselves. Doherty wearing a fedora, a white singlet and suspenders, and Barat breaking out the black singlet and donning a driving cap sang through their dual-playing lyrics gloriously and made one thing very clear; even removing the outrageous rock ‘n’ roll image, they are all still the coolest and most interesting people in a room.
The night wrapped up with a six-song encore, dipping in with ‘Man with the Melody’ and closing the curtain on classics ‘Time for Heroes’ and the humble ‘Don’t Look Back Into The Sun’, sealed with a double bow and an on-stage band huddle. A signature send off always comes from drummer Gary Powell, who at the end of every show takes to the mic to thank the crowd. Tonight he finished with an anti-Trump comment and a “Free Palestine” protest which was met with applause.
The Libertines lived up to their current motto from ‘Run Run Run’ – “Tonight we’re gonna bring tomorrow’s happiness / Gonna live life like it’s the end” and we love them to death for it.
